COLUMBUS – (NEW) Because the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has received additional funding from the federal government, construction on the next phase of the Interstate 270/US 23 North Side Fix project will begin this summer. That’s six years ahead of schedule.

This project will improve travel from State Route 315 north to Interstate 270 east by constructing a new bridge to carry I-270 eastbound traffic up and over SR 315 to access US 23. Separate travel lanes means no “jockeying for position” with Interstate 270 and SR 315 traffic vying for the same travel lane to access US 23.

This project is now funded because other states were not able to use all of their federal funds. Those unused dollars are then redistributed to states with transportation projects ready for construction.

“To be able to construct this project six years sooner is great for Franklin County and the region,” said Ferzan M. Ahmed. “ Reconfiguring I-270 and US 23 which is currently under construction, and soon State Route 315 and I-270 will improve safety, reduce congestion and provide a catalyst for economic development.”

The cost to reconstruct SR 315 to I-270 east is estimated at $37 million. The project, weather permitting should be complete by late 2016.

A little over a year ago, construction started on the I-270/US 23 Interchange reconstruction project. By next year, weather permitting, a new trench that carries two, new northbound express lanes for US 23 will open. By 2016, construction on the new bridge over Interstate 270 and the exit ramps are expected to be complete.

Funding has not been secured for the other project that will reconfigure and improve travel from US 23 to Interstate 270 west.